At a glance
- A structured trauma therapy that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they lose their grip.
- Involves recalling a memory briefly while following guided eye movements or other rhythmic side-to-side stimulation.
- Strong evidence for PTSD; recommended as a first-line trauma treatment internationally.
- Always carried out by a specially trained therapist, never alone.
What it is
EMDR, which stands for eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing, is a structured therapy developed for trauma. In it, a person briefly brings to mind a distressing memory while simultaneously following a rhythmic, side-to-side stimulation, classically the therapist’s finger moving back and forth for the eyes to track, though taps or tones are also used. The idea is that this helps the brain reprocess a traumatic memory that has become “stuck”, so that it can be stored as a normal memory that no longer triggers the same intense distress.
It is a specialised, phased therapy that must be delivered by a trained therapist. It is not something to attempt alone, which is why it lives here in the Treatments section rather than among the self-help exercises.
Why it helps, and the evidence
EMDR has strong evidence for post-traumatic stress disorder and is recommended as a first-line trauma treatment by major international guidelines, alongside trauma-focused CBT. While exactly why the eye movements help is still researched and debated, the overall treatment reliably reduces the intensity of traumatic memories and PTSD symptoms across many trials. It helps people whose lives are dominated by intrusive memories, flashbacks and distress to process what happened so it no longer overwhelms the present.
What to expect
EMDR is delivered in structured phases. Early sessions focus on safety, stability and preparation, building trust and coping skills before any trauma processing begins, which matters greatly. Only then does the reprocessing work start, in carefully managed sessions. This phased, paced approach is essential and is part of why it should only be done with a trained professional.
Is it right for me
EMDR is mainly for trauma and PTSD. For people whose central difficulty is intrusive traumatic memories, it is one of the two best-evidenced options (with trauma-focused CBT). A trauma-trained professional can assess whether it suits you and ensure the preparation phase is properly done. Trained EMDR therapists exist in Kenya though numbers are limited; our Get Support page can help you find services.
When to seek help
If you are troubled by intrusive memories, flashbacks or distress following a traumatic experience, seek a trauma-trained mental health professional and ask about EMDR or trauma-focused CBT. See our PTSD guide for more on the condition itself.
Sources
- Bisson, J. I., et al. (2013). Psychological therapies for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (12), CD003388.
- World Health Organization. (2013). Guidelines for the management of conditions specifically related to stress.